The Grenadier Guards, the celebrated 350-year-old British military regiment, have appointed the first ever black officer in their history, the defence ministry has confirmed.

Second Lieutenant Folarin Adeyemi Olatokunbo Olugbemiga Kuku, 24, studied at the prestigious private school Harrow, and attended Sandhurst, the British military academy with Prince William, grandson of Queen Elizabeth II and third in line to the throne.

According to The Sun tabloid, he has 15 brothers and sisters, and his mother is a Nigerian chief.

"As far as the guardsmen are concerned, my colour doesn't matter -- but my rank garners respect," Kuku was quoted as saying in The Sun.

"It would be nice to be a general one day."

Kuku, a Nigerian citizen, will join the elite Queen's company of the Grenadier Guards, which may be deployed to Afghanistan this spring, according to the defence ministry.

"I am a Nigerian serving in the British army -- but it has never been an issue," he told The Sun.

"At the end of the day, I'm Second Lieutenant Kuku, Grenadier Guards -- not Second Lieutenant Kuku, and by the way he's black."

His commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Carew Hatherley was quoted by the tabloid as saying: "He has had a very strong showing at Sandhurst and on his platoon commanders' battle course. Colour is not an issue -- everything is done on merit."

His regiment is due to be posted in London next year for ceremonial duties.

Kuku told The Sun: "I am proud to serve the Queen -- and the country."

Provided by AFP.